FAQs
When does the Sellafield graduate scheme start?
The majority of our graduates start in September, however we are flexible and you may be able to start at other stages of the year. Very useful, if you are off on your travels or taking an extended summer holiday.
How can I apply?
You should apply via the online application link on this website.
What is the recruitment process?
Once you've applied you will receive a confirmation email. If you are successful following completion of the shortlisting process, you will then be asked to complete a numerical and verbal reasoning test. These are multiple choice questions - nothing much to worry about. If all goes well at that stage you will be invited to an assessment centre. You will be put up in a hotel for the evening and, on arrival, have a meet and greet with other candidates and assessors. The next day will be the assessment centre. We will be looking for those who can make an impact, who are customer focussed, flourish in a team and have real technical acumen. Following that we will hopefully be in a position to make you an offer.
Where will I work?
Sellafield Ltd has two sites with graduate vacancies. The Sellafield site itself, in West Cumbria and Risley, in Warrington, Lancashire. The Sellafield site is just outside the spectacular Lake District. A haven for those after a bit of country air and fantastic outdoor activities at your every turn. England's largest mountain (Scafell Pike) is within 11 miles of the site. It is an expansive site with over 10,000 people employed. It presents some of the most challenging engineering issues in Europe and the world - a unique opportunity to start a successful career.
Our Risley site is located in Warrington, a short distance from the vibrant cities of Manchester and Liverpool. The Risley site's primary focus is on engineering design and the establishment and growth of international contracts. Most of the roles will be based at Sellafield, West Cumbria with the Design Engineering roles based out of Risley, Warrington.
What kind of qualifications will I gain?
The Sellafield Graduate Scheme has professional accreditation at its very heart. You will be appointed a mentor on arrival and they will support you right through to chartered status. We also have an active further education programme, where the company may support you to further your studies to enable you to increase your business acumen and expand your qualification base.
What happens at the end of the programme?
From day one, you are employed in a challenging and stretching job. At the end of the two year programme you will remain in a role commensurate with the skills and experience you have acquired throughout the programme. This could be a full range of roles depending on your discipline. A lot of this will be down to you. You will be encouraged to own and drive your own development. With frequent reviews with your line management, mentor and the graduate support team you will be able to dictate your own destiny. Your mentor will stay in place until your accreditation is complete.
How much can I expect to earn?
You will receive a very competitive salary, starting on c£26,000 and reviewed annually, (subject to your excellent performance!) You will also receive a £1,500 "golden hello" to get you started and a further £2000 interest free loan is also available should you require it. You will also receive an annual bonus payment (which can be up to £2250) which is paid to the majority to employees based on performance against the company's targets.
What qualities and competencies do you expect to see in applicants?
We are looking for tenacious, driven, talented and ambitious individuals who will strive to improve the company and who want to carve out a rewarding career. We will expect a minimum of a 2:2 for engineering and science related degrees and 2:1 in business related degrees and a well rounded individual socially. We are very flexible to the type of personality we are looking for, reflecting the huge diversity of operations and functions the site carries out.
What are the application dates?
Most graduates start in September, but we are flexible and tailor dates accordingly, the earlier candidates apply the better. Assessment centres will begin in October 2009, right up till January 2010.
How many places are available on the programme?
There is no absolute figure, but we are looking to recruit between 30 and 40 graduates.
Can applicants defer entry and take a gap year?
Yes. We can assess them and hold their applications. However please be aware there is no guarantee of a role on their return.
What qualifications do I need?
The minimum entry requirement is a 2:2 in engineering and science subjects ( Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Chemical, Civil or Structural Engineering, CE&I, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Mathematics and Manufacturing) or a 2:1 in commercial topics (Project Management, Business, Finance and HR related subjects).
How much holiday do I get?
As a graduate with Sellafield Ltd you are entitled to 25.5 days annual leave each year exclusive of Bank Holidays (our leave year runs from March to April).
If you work at our Risley site you will work flexi-time and at our Sellafield site you will work fixed hours; however this does entitle you to 13 days extra holiday as accrued time.
What kind of work will I be doing?
There is a huge variety of work to be undertaken with Sellafield Ltd, for more information please see our Roles section.
What is there to do outside of work in the local areas?
The graduate community is always growing, and events are always taking place.
At Sellafield there are walks in the Lake District, house parties and go karting to name but a few . There are also plenty of visitor’s attractions in the local area, as well as cinemas, theatres, sports teams.
At Risley you’re never far away from Liverpool and Manchester city centres, where there is more than enough to keep you occupied.
